The Seaforth Highlanders

The Seaforth Highlanders were one of four world-renowned Scottish regiments which had its roots in the regiments originally raised from clans and communities of the Highlands and islands in the late 17th century. It served in several major overseas campaigns and many operations during World War I

Origins

The Seaforth Highlanders were formed following the merging of the 72nd Highlanders (Duke of Albany's Own) with the 78th Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs) in 1881.

It became the county regiment for several northern Scottish counties, including Orkney, and saw military action in the Anglo-Egyptian War, Chitral Expedition, Second Sudan War and Second Boer War.

In 1961, it joined forces with the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders to form the Queen's Own Highlanders, which then merged with the Gordon Highlanders to form the Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons).

Did you know?

One of the finest poets of the World War I, Ewart Alan Mackintosh, served with the Seaforth Highlanders as a Second Lieutenant. He was killed at the second Battle of Cambrai on 21 November 1917.

Facts and figures

Nicknames

'The Mackenzies' after Kenneth Mackenzie, the man responsible for raising the 78th Highlanders in 1778. It was as an act of gratitude to King George III for restoring Mackenzie's family title of the Earl of Seaforth, which had been lost in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715.

Members were also referred to as 'The Macraes', in recognition that so much of the regiment was made up of members of Clan Macrae.

As stag's antlers form the regiment's coat of arms, it was also known as Caber Feidhs - the Gaelic word for stag's antlers.

Motto

Cuidich 'n Righ (aid the king)

March

Many regiments have their own marches which were traditionally used to rally the troops and boost morale before battle.

Pibroch O' Donuil Dubh

Tartan

Seaforth MacKenzie

Mascot

Stag's head

World War I

At the outbreak of war, the 1st Battalion was serving in India, but it arrived in France in late 1914 and took part in the Battle of Givenchy. It was later transferred to Mesopotamia (Iraq) in 1916 and Palestine in 1918.

The 2nd Battalion, which had been stationed in Britain since 1903, was immediately sent to the Western Front as part of the British Expeditionary Force. It formed part of the 10th Brigade, 4th Division and took part in the retreat from Le Cateau, the Battle of the Marne and the pursuit of German troops to the River Aisne. It sustained major casualties at the Battle of Aisne.

A total of 17 battalions were raised during the conflict and 60 battle honours, including several Victoria Crosses, were awarded.